It’s hard to believe this was only a month ago, it seems like much longer. Despite Madeira being a relatively small island, we always find something new to do and visiting Monte Palace Garden had been on our list for a few years. On our last trip we spent an afternoon at the Madeira Botanical Garden in Funchal, but I’d heard that Monte Palace Garden was more impressive. And so it was! Well, for a start it has flamingos and not much can top that! I also preferred the more rugged and less manicured style of garden.
It was a very hot day so I needed to be protected from the sun but also to stay cool. This thin cotton retro floral print maxi dress was ideal for walking around the garden in the heat. I bought it on Vinted a couple of weeks beforehand. The tie back makes it extra breezy and it’s easy to position over a bra strap. (I just have to remember to apply SPF on my back!) My trusty orange hat is a bit faded now (and the gold chain fell off), that’s the problem with brightly-coloured sun hats I suppose. If I had room in my case I’d take a hat in every colour!
The entrance fee is 15 euros for adults and free for children under 15 years of age. We took the bus there from Funchal, which is cheap and reliable. The views on the winding roads are pretty spectacular too. You can take the cable car there if you’re feeling adventurous, but it is more expensive. There’s also a museum but we didn’t go in as we’d already done a lot of walking. Always save something for next time!
It’s now five days since I had surgery on my foot and I’m feeling much perkier today. It was day surgery but I didn’t get home until late on Friday night. I was completely wiped out from the anaesthetic and painkillers that day and still tired for a few days afterwards. This morning I managed to have a shower with a bin bag taped over my foot today – not at all glamourous but I felt so much better for it!
I have a big ugly black foam sandal to wear for moving around, which has a wedge on the heel to keep the weight off my toes. I also have crutches, although they’re already becoming more of a hindrance than a help. On Tuesday I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon, so I’m hoping I’ll get to see my “new” foot. It’s currently heavily bandaged and padded. Thank you all for your lovely messages wishing me well, I really appreciate it. I’ll do a quick update on IG stories soon!
SHOP THE LOOK
New Look dress (Vinted, similar, similar) | FitFlop sandals | Guess sunglasses | Fabienne Chapot bag | hat from a local boutique in Cheshire | House of Harlow earrings (TK Maxx) | long necklace Daisy London | shorter necklace from Kooky Two
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. It means I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps towards the running costs of the blog and is very much appreciated. Unauthorized use of text and photos is prohibited.
Claire of Claire Justine, Laura of I Do deClaire and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge!
Love the pretty dress and where you took these pics! Glad to hear that your surgery went well. Praying for fast healing!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks Kathrine!
Thank you so much for the feature! Hope your recovery for your foot goes quickly and smoothly!
Thanks so much Laura!
Ratify photos Emma. I do hope your feet are feeling okay and are in the mend. Jacqui x
Thank you, slowly improving!
Beautiful dress!!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
Thanks Jennifer!
Such a pretty floral frock, Emma! And what a fabulous location to take photos. It really does look beautiful there. We sometimes get flamingoes on the water near where I live. I was driving over the bridge a few months ago and a whole load of them flew across me…it was amazing! I wish I hadn’t been driving otherwise I’d have got it on video!
So glad to hear your surgery went well!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks Suzy! Isobel was so excited to see flamingos IRL for the first time – we had to make a beeline straight for them!
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful garden and dress. I love the flamingoes! Sorry to hear you needed surgery on your foot. Pray it heals well!
Thank you Amy!
Love your retro vibe floral summer sun dress Emma, the back detail is so pretty! The gardens look amazing also. What a beautiful, restful place to spend a sunny afternoon. Very glad to hear your foot surgery went well, and you are on the mend I know the big black sandal will not put a kink in your fashion style for long! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend!
Thanks very much Di!
Speedy recovery Emma! You do have a great holiday to look back at!
Thanks Nancy!
The gardens are so beautiful and I love your dress! I hope your foot heals quickly!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Such a pretty dress, perfect for the beautiful weather and surroundings.
Alison x
What a wonderful, vibrant print! And I love seeing those bright, happy colors on you. Love your style and how nicely you combine colors! <3
http://www.couture-case.com/
I love this retro floral. It is a brilliant colour and the way you styled it is just perfect. Happy September season.https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2024/09/from-frost-to-fitness-your-ultimate.html
Oh my gosh, Emma, this dress literally just made my day! I love the colors and that amazing floral print. I, too, would pack a hat in every color if I could! Thank you so much for the feature this week. That was a fun surprise!
Shelbee